Courageous Public Health

To all the women leading in public health—this podcast is your space to turn up the volume on your courage. My role? To listen, to amplify, and to stand with you in the fight for equity. Welcome to the Courageous Public Health Podcast.

Courageous Public Health is a health podcast hosted by Kristi McClamroch, with 71 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Kristi McClamroch hosts Courageous Public Health, a health show with 71 episodes published.

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  Episode #70

  CPH 70 — Do Not Stay Stuck: A Conversation with Angela N. Frazier, MPH, LSSYB

  Aug 18, 202631 min

  In this episode of the Courageous Public Health Podcast, Angela N. Frazier reflects on what happens when we refuse to let difficult moments define what's possible next. From losing her mother just before graduate school, to leaving the security of a full-time job to lead Sisters in Public Health, to building a national organization dedicated to connection, wellness, and professional growth, Angela shares why some of the most important decisions begin by simply taking the next step. This conversation explores courage, sisterhood, leadership, and the power of creating spaces where people don't just succeed—they belong. Meet Angela N. Frazier, MPH, LSSYB✨ Angela is the Founder and CEO of Sisters in Public Health and the Author of A Kids Book AboutTM Suicide. Angela received her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and Communication from Portland State University. She also holds a Master of Public Health in Community Health from UTHealth School of Public Health. In 2017, Angela founded Sisters in Public Health (SiPH), a nonprofit to connect all women in public health. SiPH now has chapters in 33 cities nationwide and awards annual scholarships to public health students. Angela currently serves as a board member of Bradley Angle, a nonprofit with a mission to end domestic violence. In this role, Angela launched The Tami Best Emergency Shelters in honor of her mother for survivors of domestic violence fleeing abusive relationships. Starting in 2025, Angela serves as an Adjunct Professor at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) School of Public and Allied Health teaching Mental Health Promotion. Her most recent recognition was being honored nationally as a 40 under 40 honoree by Black Health Connect as a leader in the public health community. Angela is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Conversation Highlights ️ Do Not Stay Stuck — Angela reflects on one of the most important pieces of advice she ever received: don't stay stuck. Whether navigating grief, career transitions, or uncertainty, she shares why forward movement often begins with taking one small step. Building Sisterhood — Angela shares how creating the community she needed became a space where thousands of women now connect, grow, and support one another. A Leap of Faith — Leaving the security of a full-time job wasn't easy. Angela reflects on trusting herself, embracing uncertainty, and choosing purpose over predictability. Creating the Conditions for Well-Being — Angela discusses why professional development isn't enough on its own. Lasting leadership also requires spaces where people can care for themselves, build authentic relationships, and show up as their whole selves. Dream Bigger — Looking toward the future, Angela shares her vision for expanding the impact of Sisters in Public Health while encouraging others not to limit themselves by fear, perfection, or timing. "Do not stay stuck." — Angela N. Frazier, MPH, LSSYB Stay in Touch With Angela N. Frazier, MPH, LSSYB LinkedIn ↗ : https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-n-frazier-mph-lssyb-b7520bb8/ Instagram ↗ : https://www.instagram.com/angelanicolef_/ TikTok ↗ : https://www.tiktok.com/@angelanicolef_ With Sisters in Public Health LinkedIn ↗ : https://www.linkedin.com/company/sisters-in-public-health/ Instagram ↗ : https://www.instagram.com/sistersinpublichealth_/ TikTok ↗ : https://www.tiktok.com/@sistersinpublichealth With Dr. Kristi McClamroch LinkedIn ↗ : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch Follow for weekly reflections on courage and leadership ↗ : http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6 Speaking & Leadership Development Dr. Kristi McClamroch partners with organizations navigating complexity through keynote presentations, workshops, and leadership development. Her work helps leaders better understand themselves, one another, and the conditions that shape what's possible. To explore speaking or consulting opportunities, connect on LinkedIn ↗ or visit our website ↗ .

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  Episode #69

  CPH 69 — Who You Are at Your Core: A Conversation with Natrina N. Kennedy, MPH

  Aug 11, 202645 min

  In this episode of the Courageous Public Health Podcast, Natrina Kennedy reflects on what happens when we stop defining ourselves by our titles and start leading from a deeper understanding of who we are. From founding a nonprofit at 22, to recognizing when it was time to let it go, to helping students connect their own stories to the work of public health, Natrina shares how understanding her identity has shaped every chapter of her leadership journey. This conversation explores how our lived experiences shape the questions we ask, the work we pursue, and the impact we're ultimately able to make. At its heart, it asks a deceptively simple question: Who are we underneath it all? Meet Natrina N. Kennedy, MPH✨ Natrina N. Kennedy, MPH, is a Public Health Strategist who works at the intersection of community, data, and corporate social responsibility—helping institutions turn complex challenges into clear, human-centered strategy. She is an Associate Divisional Strategy Consultant at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, where she leads strategic planning and evaluation across community-based initiatives. Her work includes supporting a $4M+ annual budget for the Blue Door Neighborhood Centers and leading high-impact efforts such as a three-year colorectal cancer screening campaign that distributed 3,078 FIT kits across 314 Illinois zip codes, primarily reaching communities facing socioeconomic hardship. Beyond her corporate role, Natrina teaches undergraduate students at Loyola University Chicago, equipping future public health leaders to strategically create community-centered solutions led in partnership with those with lived experiences. She is also a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) student at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, specializing in Women's and Reproductive Health. Previously, she founded and led a nonprofit known as the Women's Health Initiative, Inc, which focused on reducing economic, racial, and social health disparities for women, primarily on the Far South Side of Chicago—an experience that continues to shape her belief that strong strategy is deeply human and grounded in equitable action. Conversation Highlights ️ Who You Are at Your Core — Natrina reflects on how identity—not titles, accomplishments, or roles—has become the foundation for her leadership, her work, and the decisions she makes. The Courage to Pause — After years of building, leading, and constantly moving forward, Natrina shares why slowing down, prioritizing her health, and making space for reflection have become some of the most courageous decisions of her life. From Lived Experience to Public Health Leadership — As a professor, Natrina challenges students to examine how their own stories shape the public health questions they ask, the communities they serve, and the solutions they create. Heart Posture — Drawing on a lesson from her mother, Natrina explores the importance of regularly "checking your heart posture"—aligning your values, intentions, and actions before trying to change the world around you. Impact, Flexibility, and Legacy — Looking toward the future, Natrina reflects on moving beyond titles and achievements to build a life defined by meaningful impact, flexibility, good health, and a legacy grounded in community. "It is my identity, who I am, that's got me to this space. And so everybody kept asking for the secret sauce and how did I do this? And it was really just me." — Natrina N. Kennedy, MPH Stay in Touch With Natrina N. Kennedy, MPH LinkedIn ↗ : https://www.linkedin.com/in/natrinakennedy/ Instagram ↗ : https://www.instagram.com/natrinanekole/ TikTok ↗ : https://www.tiktok.com/@natrinanekole With Dr. Kristi McClamroch LinkedIn ↗ : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch Follow for weekly reflections on courage and leadership ↗ : http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6 Speaking & Leadership Development Dr. Kristi McClamroch partners with organizations navigating complexity through keynote presentations, workshops, and leadership development. Her work helps leaders better understand themselves, one another, and the conditions that shape what's possible. To explore speaking or consulting opportunities, connect on LinkedIn ↗ or visit our website ↗ .

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  Episode #68

  CPH 68 — Moving with Intention: A Conversation with Chioma Nnaji, MPH, MEd

  Aug 4, 202644 min

  In this episode of the Courageous Public Health Podcast, Chioma Nnaji reflects on what happens when we're clear about who we are, what we value, and why we do this work. From choosing purpose over a higher salary early in her career, to reimagining what community-led public health can become, Chioma shares how moving with intention has shaped both her leadership and her vision for the future. This conversation explores courage, purpose, authenticity, community, and what becomes possible when we stop reacting to the moment and start making decisions that are aligned with who we want to be. Meet Chioma Nnaji, MPH, MEd✨ Chioma Nnaji is an ethnic blend of egusi soup and fufu from her father, who is from Imo State, Nigeria, and okra gumbo packed with everything from her mother, who is from Shreveport, Louisiana. Both her parents and the village that raised her instilled in her the importance of community organizing, justice, and staying grounded. Those values have guided her work over the past 20 years at the intersection of HIV/AIDS, public health, racial justice, and immigrant rights. Chioma began her career as a community organizer and community health worker, eventually leading initiatives in community-engaged research, capacity-building, and community mobilization. As a trained and experienced facilitator, she founded Ocha Transformations, a firm that brings leaders, organizations, and communities together to maximize social impact and sustainable change. Chioma is constantly seeking innovative ways to build partnerships, think differently about problems, and challenge dominant narratives. She has served in leadership positions across academic and community institutions and grounds her work in equity and justice, with a particular focus on the meaningful engagement of people impacted by intersecting oppressions. Conversation Highlights ️ Choosing Purpose — Chioma Nnaji reflects on choosing meaningful work over a higher-paying job early in her career and how that decision became the foundation for the way she's navigated every opportunity since. Community Has the Answers — Drawing on more than 20 years of community organizing and public health practice, she challenges us to move beyond community engagement toward truly community-led systems and decision-making. Listening Before Knowing — Chioma shares why courage sometimes means slowing down, trusting your gut, and allowing clarity to emerge before trying to force the next decision. Reimagining Public Health — Rather than rebuilding the systems we've always had, she invites us to envision a future where communities define the questions, shape the solutions, and lead the work. Legacy Work — Chioma reflects on this season of her life, where she's investing her time and energy in work that reflects her deepest purpose and the impact she hopes to leave for future generations. "I'm very clear about my purpose." — Chioma Nnaji, MPH, MEd Stay in Touch With Chioma Nnaji, MPH, MEd LinkedIn ↗ : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chioma-nnaji-mph-med/ With Dr. Kristi McClamroch LinkedIn ↗ : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch Follow for weekly reflections on courage and leadership ↗ : http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6 Speaking & Leadership Development Dr. Kristi McClamroch partners with public health, healthcare, nonprofit, philanthropic, government, and higher education organizations through keynote presentations, facilitated conversations, workshops, and leadership development experiences. Her work explores courage, leadership, systems change, the conditions that shape decision-making, voice, well-being, and values-aligned action. Whether you're planning a conference, retreat, leadership program, or organizational event, Courageous Public Health can help create meaningful conversations that inspire reflection, connection, and action. To explore speaking or consulting opportunities, connect on LinkedIn ↗ or visit our website ↗ .

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  Episode #67

  CPH 67 — The Road Less Traveled: A Conversation with Dr. Wari Allison

  Jul 28, 202632 min

  In this episode of the Courageous Public Health Podcast, Dr. Wari Allison reflects on what it means to choose the road less traveled—even when the familiar path feels safer. From changing medical specialties midway through her training, to becoming both a physician and scientist, to adopting her children as a single mother, Wari shares how some of life's most meaningful opportunities begin when we're willing to step into the unknown. This conversation explores courage, integrity, purpose, leadership, and what becomes possible when we trust ourselves enough to take a path that others might never choose. Meet Dr. Wari Allison✨ Dr. Wari Allison is a physician-scientist-executive leader elected to fellowship in both the American College of Physicians and the Infectious Diseases Society of America. She helps people to purposefully step into non-traditional paths to rewrite the rules on their own terms by providing tools, frameworks, strategy and lived experienced insight to navigate roads less traveled successfully and with their health and wellbeing as a priority. She is committed to mentorship, teaching, workforce development and support. Dr. Allison is additionally passionate about innovative solutions that transform access to healthcare. Besides providing clinical care, her federally funded work includes conceptualizing and implementing a designated Special Project of National Significance to cure hepatitis C in people of color with HIV, a national Rural Telementoring Training Center, and a project to integrate the National HIV Curriculum e-Learning platform into health professions programs. Conversation Highlights ️ The Road Less Traveled — Dr. Wari Allison reflects on changing medical specialties, pursuing research before finding her clinical home in infectious diseases, and why choosing an unconventional path ultimately led her to the work she was meant to do. Integrity as a Superpower — Drawing on the example set by her father, Dr. Allison shares why integrity, truth, and courage are inseparable—and why staying true to your values often comes with real personal and professional consequences. What You Will Not Stand For — In times of profound change, she argues that leadership is defined not only by what we stand for, but also by what we refuse to align ourselves with. Choosing the Unknown — Using the metaphor of off-trail hiking and backcountry skiing, Dr. Allison encourages leaders to trust their skills, embrace uncertainty, and discover opportunities that can't be found on the well-worn path. Reimagining the Future of Public Health — Reflecting on today's consequential moment, she shares her hope that public health will remain deeply rooted in humanity, courage, and the communities it exists to serve. "Integrity is my superpower." — Dr. Wari Allison Stay in Touch With Dr. Wari Allison LinkedIn ↗ : https://www.linkedin.com/in/wariallison/ With Dr. Kristi McClamroch LinkedIn ↗ : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch Follow for weekly reflections on courage and leadership ↗ : http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6 Speaking & Leadership Development Dr. Kristi McClamroch partners with public health, healthcare, nonprofit, philanthropic, government, and higher education organizations through keynote presentations, facilitated conversations, workshops, and leadership development experiences. Her work explores courage, leadership, systems change, the conditions that shape decision-making, voice, well-being, and values-aligned action. Whether you're planning a conference, retreat, leadership program, or organizational event, Courageous Public Health can help create meaningful conversations that inspire reflection, connection, and action. To explore speaking or consulting opportunities, connect on LinkedIn ↗ or visit our website ↗ .

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  Episode #66

  CPH 66 — Being Who You Are: A Conversation with Dr. Carlene Valentine

  Jul 21, 202630 min

  In this episode of the Courageous Public Health Podcast, Dr. Carlene Valentine reflects on what it means to remain true to yourself while stepping into spaces where you aren't sure you belong. From becoming the first in her family to attend college, to navigating the transition from community-based public health into corporate leadership, Dr. Valentine shares how she learned to find her voice without leaving her communities—or herself—behind. This conversation explores courage, authenticity, representation, leadership, and what becomes possible when we recognize that who we are isn't something to overcome. It's often our greatest contribution. Meet Dr. Carlene Valentine ✨ Dr. Valentine holds an associate's degree in human services, a bachelor's in forensic psychology, a master's in psychology focused on Public Administration and Social Change, and recently completed her PhD in Psychology with a focus on Social Psychology. She has served nearly two decades in public health, focusing on community-based HIV prevention strategies, HIV treatment, care and supportive services. She is currently serving as the Assistant Director for an ambulatory HIV primary care and supportive services Ryan White funded program, at a large New York-based Health System, serving 10-federally qualified health centers. She also serves as the Project Director and Co-Principal Investigator for three federally and state grant funded HIV prevention programs . She calls herself the people's champion, reflecting her passion for social justice and positive social change. Conversation Highlights ️ Being Who You Are — Dr. Carlene Valentine reflects on becoming the first in her family to attend college, navigating unfamiliar spaces, and discovering that authenticity became one of her greatest strengths. Finding Your Voice in the Room — As she transitioned from community-based public health into corporate leadership, Dr. Valentine shares what it took to adapt without losing sight of the communities and values she represents. Representation Matters — She discusses recognizing that her presence at the table gave her the opportunity to bring perspectives that otherwise might not be heard—and embracing the responsibility that came with that opportunity. The Return of the Village — Dr. Valentine shares her vision for a future where communities, families, and public health leaders work collectively to care for one another, drawing inspiration from the strengths of village-centered and matriarchal traditions. Leading the Next Generation — Looking ahead, she reflects on her hopes to teach, mentor, and support future public health professionals while encouraging the next generation to pursue their own paths with courage. "I can only be who I am." — Dr. Carlene Valentine Stay in Touch With Dr. Carlene Valentine LinkedIn ↗ : https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlene-camacho-valentine-ph-d-36ab611b5/ Email ↗: carlene.valentine@waldenu.edu With Dr. Kristi McClamroch LinkedIn ↗ : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch Follow for weekly reflections on courage and leadership ↗ : http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6 Speaking & Leadership Development Dr. Kristi McClamroch partners with public health, healthcare, nonprofit, philanthropic, government, and higher education organizations through keynote presentations, facilitated conversations, workshops, and leadership development experiences. Her work explores courage, leadership, systems change, the conditions that shape decision-making, voice, well-being, and values-aligned action. Whether you're planning a conference, retreat, leadership program, or organizational event, Courageous Public Health can help create meaningful conversations that inspire reflection, connection, and action. To explore speaking or consulting opportunities, connect on LinkedIn ↗ or visit our website ↗ .

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